L'Aiglon - LightNovelsOnl.com
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I leave my son to thee--'"
[_General embarra.s.sment._]
H'm--yes--
MARIA LOUISA.
Let's try Some other volume. Take--
THERESA.
The "Meditations"?
MARIA LOUISA.
I know the author! 'Twill not be so dull.
He dined with us. [_To_ SCARAMPI.] The Diplomat, you know.
THERESA.
[_Reads._]
"Never had hymns more strenuous and high From seraph lips rung through the listening sky: Courage! Oh, fallen child of G.o.dlike race--"
THE DUKE.
[_Who has entered unnoticed._]
Forgive the interruption, Lamartine!
MARIA LOUISA.
Well, Franz? A pleasant ride?
THE DUKE.
Delightful, mother.
But, Mademoiselle, where did my entrance stop you?
THERESA.
[_Looking at him with emotion._]
"Courage! Oh, fallen child of G.o.dlike race, The glory of your birth is in your face!
All men who look on you--"
MARIA LOUISA.
That's quite sufficient.
THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.
[_To the children._]
Go, bid good morrow to your cousin.
[_The children run up to the_ DUKE, _who is seated, and surround him._]
SCARAMPI.
[_To_ THERESA.]
Fie!
THERESA.
Why, what?
A LADY.
[_Looking at the_ DUKE.]
How pale he is!
ANOTHER LADY.
He looks half dead!
SCARAMPI.
[_To_ THERESA.]
You chose such awkward pa.s.sages.
THERESA.
The book Fell open by itself. I did not choose.
GENTZ.
[_Who has overheard._]
Books always open where most often read.
THERESA.
[_Looking at the_ DUKE.]
Archdukes upon his knees!
